The Nutritionist and Nurse

04/17/2026

Hi, I’m Gwen, The Nutritionist and Nurse.

I’ve been working, growing, and taking care of me too. Sometimes you have to step back, reset, and pour into yourself so you can come back stronger.

I help people understand prediabetes and learn simple ways to prevent type 2 diabetes through healthier eating, movement, and real-life habits that work.

If you think you may be at risk, visit www.areyouatriskfortype2.com

Let’s Beat Type 2

04/07/2026

To God be the glory!

My goal for my Diabetes Prevention Program is 400 participants by December 31, 2026.

I have been onboarding new participants everyday!

But I need some assistance, if you are a Nurse Practitioner or Physician, can you please assist me in reaching my goal.

If you would like to know more, please email me at diabetes@thenutritionistandnurse.health

If you are a pre-diabetic and need assistance in beating Type 2 Diabetes, I can assist you. www.areyouatriskfortype2.com

Let’s Beat Type 2

Providing evidence based diabetes prevention and health education programs delivered via telehealth and community partnerships.

04/07/2026

As of April 1, 2026 Memorial Hermann Hospital and Healthcare System is out of network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) Commercial and Blue Advantage Marketplace plans after eight months of failed negotiations.

The disagreement is over reimbursement rates.

If you, your family member, or friend have received care or are currently under treatment at Memorial Hermann in Houston, Texas you still have patient rights.

Ask for “Continuity of Care” (VERY IMPORTANT )

1. Patients should:
• Call the number on their insurance card
• Request a continuity of care form

This applies if they are:
• Pregnant
• In active treatment (cancer, dialysis, etc.)
• Recently had surgery
• Have serious or chronic conditions

This can allow them to stay with their provider at in-network rates temporarily.

2. Check their plan type, your plan type is key.

Patients need to confirm:
• PPO vs HMO vs Marketplace vs Medicare Advantage

Because:
• Some plans have partial out-of-network benefits
• Others will have no coverage at all

3. Ask about SINGLE CASE AGREEMENTS

Patients can request:
• Their provider to negotiate a single-case agreement (SCA)

This is underused but powerful for:
• Ongoing treatment
• Specialty care

Last but not least, start looking for other insurance plans that are accepted by Memorial Hermann Hospital and Healthcare System.

03/24/2026

Are You Living With Type 2 Diabetes?

Your Voice Matters.

As a nurse, I’ve seen what happens when people feel unheard in their health journey. And as a health educator, I know that real change starts when people share their truth.

That’s why I wanted to share this opportunity.

Texas Woman’s University is conducting a research study for adults living with Type 2 diabetes and they want to hear from you.

This is more than a study. It is a chance to share your lived experience, help improve future care, and be part of something that could impact generations.

Who qualifies
Adults ages 50 to 85
Diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes

What it includes
Completing questionnaires
Answering interview questions
Sharing your personal journey managing diabetes

There is also a small thank-you incentive for participating.

Let me say this clearly. Your story is powerful. Your experience is data. And your voice can help change the way diabetes is understood and treated.

If this is you or someone you love, take a moment to learn more using the QR code on the flyer.

03/19/2026

Something is coming… and it’s going to change how we talk about diabetes prevention.

I’ve been quiet, but not still.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been building, organizing, praying, and preparing for something bigger than a program…
This is a movement toward prevention.

And this right here?

This is just one of the pieces coming together.

A lifestyle prescription.

Simple. Clear. Intentional.

Because the truth is people don’t always need more medication.

Sometimes they need guidance, structure, and support before things get worse.

As we prepare for this upcoming campaign, you’ll start to see different tools, resources, and conversations showing up.

Some may look new.
Some may feel different.
But every piece has one purpose:

To help you take control before diabetes takes control of you.

We are getting ready.

And if you’ve ever been told:

• “Your sugar is a little high”
• “You’re borderline”
• “Just watch it”

Then this campaign is for you.

Stay close.
More is coming.

And this time, we’re doing prevention on purpose.

If you already know you need support, you don’t have to wait.

If you are a provider and would like to have this for your patients, just send an email to diabetes@thenutritionistandnurse.health

www.areyouatriskfortype2.com

03/12/2026

March 21, 2026 Our Houston community will gather to learn, connect, and uplift one another around kidney health and rare kidney disease awareness.

Events like this matter because kidney disease often develops quietly. Education, advocacy, and community support can change that story.

If you are in Houston, this is a meaningful opportunity to hear from advocates, learn practical health insights, and meet others committed to better health outcomes.

Event Agenda

3:00 – 3:30 PM
Check-in, refreshments, and community connections

3:30 – 3:45 PM
Community welcome by Ariana Barton

3:45 – 4:00 PM
Understanding the Impact of Kidney Disease & the RKD&Me initiative

4:00 – 4:15 PM
The power of community and patient advocacy

4:15 – 4:30 PM
Nutrition fireside chat with Chef Sachet Walker

4:30 – 5:00 PM
Keynote conversation and performance by David Rush
(featuring the song “Feels So Good”)

5:00 – 6:00 PM
Community networking and resource tables

This is more than an event.
It is a community movement toward awareness, advocacy, and better health.

American Kidney Fund

03/12/2026

Today is World Kidney Day, a reminder that two small organs quietly work every moment to keep our bodies in balance. Many people do not think about their kidneys until something goes wrong, but kidney health is deeply connected to everyday lifestyle choices, especially blood sugar, blood pressure, and nutrition.

As someone who works in diabetes prevention and lifestyle education, I see every day how kidney health and metabolic health are connected.

Why Kidney Health Matters

Your kidneys help your body by:
• Filtering waste and toxins from the blood
• Balancing fluids and electrolytes
• Helping control blood pressure
• Supporting red blood cell production
• Keeping bones healthy through mineral balance

When kidneys are under stress for years—often from diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diet, or dehydration—damage can slowly occur.

The Truth Many People Don’t Know

Many people with early kidney disease have no symptoms at all.

That is why awareness matters.

Early action can protect kidney function and prevent serious complications later.

Simple Ways to Protect Your Kidneys

Small daily habits make a powerful difference:

• Drink enough water
• Manage blood sugar levels
• Monitor blood pressure
• Reduce excess salt and processed foods
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods
• Stay physically active
• Get routine lab work to check kidney function

Most of all know your risk for chronic kidney disease.

03/08/2026

I have not meal prepped in a while. I have been busy, but getting back to my routine makes me happy.

Salads are an easy way to get your daily 5 fruits and vegetables.

03/06/2026

I’m truly honored to be present and support the Houston Kidney Connections Community Event this month.

Kidney disease affects millions of people, yet many individuals do not realize they are at risk until the disease has already progressed. Community events like this are so important because they bring together education, resources, and real conversations about prevention and care.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside organizations and leaders who are committed to empowering patients and families affected by kidney disease.

Events like this remind us that health is not just about treatment, it’s about connection, education, and community support.

If you are in Houston, consider attending this powerful gathering.

Houston Kidney Connections Community Event
Saturday, March 21, 2026
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Kashmere Multi-Service Center Auditorium
4802 Lockwood Dr
Houston, TX

Thank you to the organizers and partners who continue to advocate for kidney health and patient empowerment. Your work matters.

And as someone who works daily in diabetes prevention and chronic disease education, I’m always reminded of how closely kidney health, diabetes prevention, and nutrition are connected.

Let’s continue building healthier communities together.

03/02/2026

Happy March.

I’ve been quiet for a little while. January and February were full. Full of work, reflection, growth, and recalibration.

But I’m back.

And March is not just another month on the calendar.

March is Women’s History Month.
March is Kidney Awareness Month.
And Diabetes Alert Day is March 24, 2026.

That’s not random to me.

As a nurse and diabetes prevention educator, I see how connected all of this is. Women carry families, stress, responsibilities, and often their health gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Kidneys suffer silently. Prediabetes whispers before it becomes a diagnosis.

There is a lot to talk about.

This month, I’ll be sharing:
• What every woman over 40 should know about insulin resistance
• The connection between diabetes and kidney disease
• Why prevention is powerful
• And how simple shifts can change your bloodline

My goal this year is to serve 400 participants in preventing Type 2 diabetes.

If you’re here, you’re part of that mission.

If you know you are at risk and are ready to prevent type 2 diabetes, start here:
www.areyouatriskfortype2.com

And if you believe prevention matters, stay tuned. March is going to be intentional.

Let’s make history in our health.

02/26/2026

If you live in Minnesota and rely on Medicaid (Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare), and you have diabetes, please read this carefully.

Funding has been paused.
Providers are being paid for now, but may begin holding elective and preventative services soon.

For diabetes patients, preventative care is not optional. It is critical.

What This Means for You

If services begin tightening, you could experience:
• Delays in A1C testing
• Postponed eye or foot exams
• Slower medication authorizations
• Limited access to diabetes education programs
• Delays in endocrinology visits

Diabetes does not wait. Preparation matters.

If You Have Diabetes and Are on Medicaid:

• Schedule follow-up appointments NOW
• Refill insulin and medications
• Confirm your provider still accepts Medicaid
• Request lab orders in advance
• Ask for 90-day prescriptions if possible
• Download copies of recent lab results

Do not assume services will continue uninterrupted.

Minnesota Resources for Medicaid & Diabetes Support

🔹 Minnesota Department of Human Services
Medical Assistance (Medicaid) & MinnesotaCare updates
https://mn.gov/dhs

🔹 MNsure
Coverage options and enrollment help
https://www.mnsure.org

🔹 Minnesota Department of Health
Diabetes resources and community programs
https://www.health.state.mn.us

🔹 United Way – Dial 211
Free assistance connecting to local health and social services

The Office of American Indian Health and Tribal Relations was created in 2023 to improve the health and wellbeing of American Indian communities across Minnesota and ensure Tribal and urban American Indian communities are represented in all of Minnesota’s public health initiatives.

02/26/2026

If you, your family members, or friends rely on Medicaid services in the state of Minnesota, please take action now to protect your access to healthcare.

What’s happening?

Funding has been paused.
Providers are being paid for now, but they may begin holding elective and preventative services soon.

This means some clinics and healthcare providers could:
• Delay non-urgent appointments
• Pause preventative screenings
• Limit elective procedures
• Reevaluate Medicaid participation

Preventative care is not “extra.” It is what keeps you out of the hospital.

If you’re on Medicaid:

• Schedule appointments NOW
• Refill prescriptions
• Confirm your provider still accepts Medicaid
• Check your eligibility and renewal status

Do not wait until services are restricted.

Access to care is not something we assume — it’s something we protect.

Stay informed. Stay proactive. Stay covered.